
How to Choose Composite Decking Colour
So, you’re considering composite decking for your new garden and looking for ideas to spark a new creation. With a vast array of colours, finishes, and patterns to choose from, we know the biggest question is often: what can these boards actually transform into, and how can you truly elevate your garden?
We understand that searching for “decking ideas” is about more than just looking at pictures. It’s about finding that one spark of inspiration you and your partner can finally agree on. And we know that in today’s world, words are rarely enough—you need to see it to believe it.
That’s why this guide is built on real UK customer projects. We’ve combined real life images and videos and even taken real life images with an ai visual spin to give you even in depth ideas to every concept. We will explore practical, achievable ideas for any space, covering everything from smart layouts that make small gardens feel bigger to integrating key features like seating, lighting, and pergolas for a professional finish.
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Creating an Illusion of Space When looking into transforming your garden, size doesn’t matter. You may be thinking your garden may be too small to remodel but it’s not all about how big your garden looks. It’s much more about how big it feels and how useful the space is! The key to this design technique is smartly planning your space before embarking on your project.
In smaller narrower gardens, laying your decking boards width-ways can make your garden seem bigger by making this appear wider. Similar to having vertical stripes on your clothing can make you seem taller, this works the same way! We advise testing which way you prefer your decking boards before you have them securely fitted, changing the direction may make a bigger difference than you think!
Choosing a lighter colour decking board can make all the difference when designing your garden. The lighter shades can make your garden seem bigger; this is due to light coloured surfaces reflecting the light which creates an open, airy feel that visually expands the area – whereas dark absorbs the light. Our top tip is to pair lighter decking boards with darker trims, this can help create a contrast which adds character to your garden, similar to what this customer has done to their garden!
To make the most of limited floor space, why not experiment and go vertical with your accessories. Rather than filling the deck with pots, opt for wall-mounted shelves, vertical planters, or trellises with climbing plants to bring in greenery without compromising your walking area. This will not only make your garden feel more roomy but will actually create more space but keeping the aesthetic of your garden.
You can also install decking tiles in your garden. This is a great design alternative to standard decking boards and will make your garden stand out. Homeowners can choose any decking pattern when laying the tiles; for example, you can line them up horizontally or vertically to create a unique look.
Browse our video below of a collection of customer photos to see how plants and shrubs have been thoughtfully integrated into composite decking areas. These inspiring garden designs highlight how greenery can enhance the look and feel of outdoor living spaces.
When adding a multi-level area, like the one to the right, this is more of a complex design for your composite decking. You have the ability to set multiple levels, at different heights, which can be connected via stairways or ramped paths – which look brilliant once they are complete. This sort of design adds character to your garden. However, like most things, there are downsides to adding this to your garden such as; these may increase in installation time and cost of materials. You may also need to consider adding some sort of safety railing if the raised area is quite high – which again will increase costs and installation time.
Another great addition to your sloped garden is installing tiered decking. Tiered decking is similar to multi-level and elevated decks. Tiered decking uses multiple steps to frame the landscape. For this reason, there is not much space below the deck. This option works well with gentler slopes. Like multi-level and elevated decking, tiered decking is an efficient use of space. Not only can this create a sense of an elongated garden but can also be used to section your garden, such as an area can be used as an entertainment section for example.
Due to most gardens having uneven areas, it is quite rare for a garden to naturally provide a perfectly level surface to work on. This is due to contours and undulation. In some cases having an average gradient can actually be beneficial to your decking project. Gradual slopes allow you to install steps with less solid construction build ups and can be based up like patios with the steps acting as low retaining walls. Again you may wish to add railing for safety along the stairs.
Explore the customer videos below to see how composite decking has been used to create innovative multi level and tiered garden designs. From multi-level patios to elevated seating areas, these real-life examples showcase the versatility and aesthetic appeal of our decking solutions.
Get creative with curved decking steps. Rather than opting for standard straight steps, step outside the box with a curved step design to provide a softer and more welcoming aesthetic to your garden. Curved decking is unique and elevates your landscape to stand out from your neighbours. If your garden is smaller in size, curved decking is a great option to take up less space and create the illusion of a larger space. It is important to note that when you are opting for curved decking, there will be more wastage so ensure you factor this into your planning process and account for additional wastage when purchasing the number of boards for your project.
When adding steps to your decking, safety should be your main priority especially if your decking is quite high. Adding balustrades and rails to the side of your steps to keep you and your family safe is a must to avoid any injury. There are many different types of balustrades available on the market to choose from that can suit all different styles and aesthetics of landscapes and decking colours. The higher your decking is and steeper your steps are, the more secure your balustrades need to be. For example, if your decking is only slightly raised off the ground you can opt for rope rails to section off the area, however if your decking is raised quite significantly then you will need a more structurally sound option such as wooden or composite.
For a larger space, a great way to add steps in a modern style for both practicality and aesthetic value is by using an entrance method of wider steps. Steps can be used as a grand entrance style with a low height but larger width, this aesthetic is grand and luxurious and will upgrade your exterior space to look more inviting. This style can even be utilised with a lower height decking, as the steps themselves can be quite short and are usually added for aesthetic purposes. Wider stairs added to your decking creates a more seamless transition from one level to the next and is more convenient in terms of accessibility, as they will gently cascade into your garden in comparison to steep stairs.
To provide a more elegant aesthetic when adding steps to your decking, why not consider a wraparound effect that spans across the entirety of your garden perimeter. This style of steps is really eye-catching and creates a grand, almost royal appearance within your landscape that will take your decking project to the next level. This style of stairs is not always available to every home however, if you’re looking for a style of steps that will elevate your decking and create a cohesive effortless transition from your home to garden.
Given that your decking is going to be raised you may be able to see the substructure at certain parts of the decking when standing face on. You can use decking boards to create a fascia in order to hide the frame that lies beneath the surface. This will add massive value to the decking and give this a 3D look.
Freestanding "Island" Decks
Your deck doesn’t have to be attached to your home. A detached, freestanding decking area can be placed anywhere in your garden to capture the sun or create a secluded focal point. You can add a couch and table to create a comfortable spot for relaxation or build a shade over it to create a private retreat.
If you are looking to create a modern aesthetic in your outdoor space, grey composite decking is a great way to achieve this. With many different shades available on the market, you can create the look you desire whilst ensuring a cohesive appearance within your space. Grey decking can still be timeless and even provide a traditional aesthetic with the right designing.
Choosing darker colours such as Anthracite grey will be more of a statement in your outdoor space and create a bold modern aesthetic. Darker colours will also be easier to hide dirt and debris that can accumulate on your decking surface. Darker greys will match cooler tones and sometimes even have a blue undertone that will provide a modern appearance. It is important to remember when choosing darker coloured decking the aspect of fading that will occur over time due to the suns UV exposure; if you are concerned about fading choosing second generation composite decking will reduce the effects of fading. Dark grey decking is beautiful paired with cool tone lighting and alongside modern, neutral furniture. Additionally, mixing darker and lighter greys can create an alternate look that fits with any aesthetic you desire.
One of our valued customers has kindly shared a video showcasing how they incorporated dark grey decking into their composite decking project. They have added furniture to their outdoor space which is perfect for visualising which colour or style furniture you may possibly go for if you choose this colour.
Adding lighter colours to your garden such as light grey decking will brighten the space and give a softer feel that blends into the surroundings opposed to harsher dark colours and tones that are more of a statement. A lighter grey decking area does have more of a calming peaceful feel to your garden. Additionally, choosing lighter colours will mean fading from UV exposure is less noticeable over time as it won’t be as obvious of a colour change. Lighter greys will blend nicely with warm tones and can be a more subtle appearance which can be paired with brighter pops of colour through furniture and decorations. If you find interior design overwhelming, choosing lighter colours can be easier to pair with other items and create a cohesive aesthetic to your space. When choosing light grey decking, why not add darker grey trims or bullnose boards to the edges of your decking to finish it off and create a contrast to prevent tripping hazards on steps or at the edge of your decking for safety.
Below we have combined a few of our valued customer videos who have all kindly shared videos showcasing their use of light grey composite decking in their outdoor space. The addition of carefully selected furniture provides a great source of inspiration, helping you visualise how different colours and styles can complement this popular decking shade.
Oak and chocolate brown composite decking boards are great when bringing a traditional feel to your decking area, giving your garden a timeless classic look while maintaining a natural aesthetic. When styling this colour, we have found many of our customers use a combination of beige, cream, and white works well in conjunction with the darker hue of the deck. If you are wanting to add a pop of colour to your dark decking, we feel a vibrant orange or yellow contrasts well with the darker undertones of this decking. One of our top tips to remember is oak and chocolate boards are more of a classic board that will never go out of style, which can be a better investment in the future so you aren’t having to renew your decking colour if the certain colour goes out of fashion.
One of our valued customers has kindly shared a video showcasing how they incorporated mixed Ipe decking into their composite decking project. You can see from the video how well the brown composite decking pairs with the environment and blends in perfectly creating more of a natural aesthetic.
Adding picture frame detailing to your decking is a great way to add contrast to this area. Most customers will opt for a lighter colour decking for the vast majority of the area and then will have darker boards for the picture framing and vice versa. This striking contrast complements the tone of both decking boards and are easily incorporated into any design.
xperimenting with laying patterns such as a herringbone style, traditional laying pattern, diagonal runs, picture frame decking, chevron laying pattern and patchwork are many ways of incorporating unique designs when laying your decking. Creating these eye-catching designs will ensure your decking is the main focus point in your garden. Here below one of our customers has kindly provided a video with how they have incorporated different laying patterns into their composite decking space. They have opted for a herringbone style when laying the boards which is extremely on trend at the moment!
Decking lights are a great addition to have in your decking area. Not only do these prolong the time you have on your decking during the evenings, these can also help set the mood. Lighting brings life and atmosphere to your garden. This can help set the tone by having a warm lit area can help provide a cosy feel whereas having spotlights can generate mood and boldness to your garden. Having lights around your garden is also another great way to maximise your space. A well lit garden is timeless! All you need is a fire pit or heater, if needed, and you can still use your garden at night!
If you are adding decking to your garden to upgrade the space and make it a perfect oasis for you and your family to enjoy all summer long, you will of course need a seating area. There are so many ways you can add seating to your outdoor space to suit your home and lifestyle, whether you are just looking for a space to relax or to create the perfect place to host friends. No matter the size or shape of your garden it would not be complete without a comfortable seating area that complements the surrounding area.
Benches For a cosier and family friendly atmosphere opt for a trendy picnic bench to enjoy all summer long with your family. This option is possible whether you are on a budget or not, as you can either choose modern style benches or recycle used benches with a simple sand, paint and varnish to match your existing exterior. There are many styles of wooden, metal or even composite benches available on the market for every budget and style. Add a bench at the end of your garden for a quiet, relaxing nook to retreat to or have your bench front and centre for a statement entertaining area for your guests. If you are opting for a wooden bench simply add water proof cushions to make it more comfortable and add some colour.
Outside dining area If you are wanting to add seating to your garden, why not add a table as well to create an alfresco dining feel? Even if you have a smaller garden space to work with, you can still add a small coffee table to eat breakfast on in Summer mornings. If you have a large garden space to enhance, opt to add a larger dining table to have family dinners or dinners with friends throughout summer evenings. This will help you to utilise the space much more throughout the year and create an indoor-outdoor living feel. For a more boho feel, mix both chairs and benches to provide a more homely and lived in atmosphere perfect for hosting parties. When adding seating to your garden it is important to consider the position of the sun and where the sun hits your garden at what time of day to avoid being sat in the shade all the time.
Sun loungers If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor pool area or just want to create a more exotic and tropical atmosphere to your garden, adding sun loungers and more relaxed seating is a great idea. Even reclining seats to be able to sunbathe in Summer but still be used throughout the other seasons. Your garden should be a retreat that you can escape to and pretend you’re on a beach as you step outside your home. Sun loungers don’t have to just be for a holiday! This option might not be for everyone but when paired correctly with the right décor and plants it can create a beautiful serene space.
Pro Tip: Before placing your furniture, watch where the sun hits your garden throughout the day. There’s nothing worse than planning an evening dinner spot that’s in the shade from 4 PM onwards!
A simple way to further enhance your garden pergola is with lighting. Brighten up the space with fairy lights or hanging bulbs for a rustic and boho aesthetic or for a more modern appearance add spot lights built into your decking to brighten up the space and make your pergola the focal point of your space. Lighting is so important to really upgrade your garden area and can be utilised in so many different ways to achieve the look you desire. There are even different toned lights to assist with this; choose warm lighting for a more cosy, homely feel and cool, white lighting for a modern appearance.
For safety, practicality and aesthetic purposes add the feature of lighting into your decking steps to instantly upgrade the space. Decking lighting will create a luxurious and romantic ambience within your garden and will brighten up the area so that you can utilise it night or day. Built-in lighting to your steps or decking is a modern feature that will drastically enhance your garden area and give a contemporary feel to the area in comparison to other lighting options. Hidden lighting in your decking steps gives a seamless and flush finish to your decking project.
Not only can your decking boards be used for the flooring of your area, these can be used to create a bbq space or a bench which can help to continue to elongate your outdoor living space. This creative way is perfect if you have boards left over! When renovating your outdoor space you may wish to add an entertaining area to this. If you enjoy having friends and family over for a bbq then adding your own outdoor kitchen area may be a perfect option for you!
If you are someone who loves to host gatherings and parties for family and friends in your home, seating is a must for people to relax and sit together. Choose to put seating around firepits for a conversation corner that can be used day or night no matter the weather. Alternatively, many homeowners have bars in their gardens for hosting parties which is perfect for guests to congregate whilst you can prepare drinks for them. Comfier sofas and seating will give the area a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy with friends. Add covers for when it is raining or choose water proof materials which can be left outside without damage. It is useful to have an area such as a garage to be able to store seating when the weather is really bad such as storms or snow to avoid causing any damage. If you don’t want to have to worry about the weather at all and you have the space and budget to do so, why not opt for a summer house garden room which can protect your bar area or tv entertaining area?
Planning on adding a hot tub to your garden? As well as being a great addition to your outdoor entertaining area, these will also give the feeling of being on a mini holiday right in the comfort of your own garden! You may wish to build steps around your hot tub which can be a great benefit in reducing slip hazards. Composite decking offers slip resistant properties so is a great choice of material when considering adding a hot tub to your garden. Many customers also wish to add a pergola over the top of the hot tub which again can ensure your outdoor space is used all year round.
If you have an existing hot tub in your garden or are going to be adding one, why not add a pergola over the top to ensure you can use it day or night no matter the weather. A hot tub is a great feature for entertaining guests and can upgrade your garden to a serene oasis perfect for relaxing. A pergola will also provide shade in the summer so you can relax in your hot tub whilst enjoying the sunshine.
A great addition to add to your decking is having a fire pit. Not only are these great to have when entertaining friends and family whilst keeping warm but you can also toast your marshmallows on these! By having these fire pits we are now able to stay outside for longer in the colder weather. ~We love how this customer has designed her decking and incorporated a fire out as one of the main features. Take a look at one of our customer’s garden transformations, featuring a stylish fire pit and outdoor furniture beautifully arranged on their composite decking. This setup perfectly showcases how functionality and design can come together to create a warm, inviting outdoor living space.
Use your outdoor living space all year round by adding a pergola over your decking area. This will enable you to use this space all year round and is the perfect space to create a serene family seating area which can be enjoyed by friends and family. Add a dining table or seating area to create an alfresco dining experience – which will be fully protected by your pergola. In the summer the roof could be pulled back so you can enjoy the glorious sunshine.
A beautiful way to upgrade your decking area is with the addition of a wooden pergola which is perfect for a summers’ day in the shade for you and your family. An open pergola will avoid the space feeling closed off and ensure an open plan feel is maintained which creates the illusion of a larger space. Additionally, a wooden pergola will blend with your natural surroundings and enhance the space without being a huge eye sore. You can paint your wooden pergola any colour to match your existing garden space to complement the area.
An alternate pergola option is a more enclosed version of an umbrella style. This is great for rainy climates as it can ensure you can utilise the space all year round no matter the weather. An umbrella style shade is great for entertaining guests and can seclude the decking area which is great when you are trying to utilise your garden more. There are many styles of umbrella shades across the market which come in various colours and sizes that will fit any garden large or small.
When adding a pergola to your decking area, it is a perfect opportunity to create a serene seating area for you and your family to enjoy. You can choose to add outdoor sofas and chairs to relax all summer long or even a dining table which is protected by your pergola to provide an alfresco dining experience for your family and guests. Garden furniture doesn’t have to cost a fortune and can even be found second hand and reupholstered to look its best.
Fencing doesn’t have to be boring and can come with decorative features that enhance the aesthetic of your space. A fencing trellis can upgrade the appearance of your fence as it has patterns throughout which add transparency for an alternate look. A trellis is also great if you want to add climbing flowers and plants that can twist around the trellis frame Explore our video below showcasing newly installed composite fencing. These real-life projects highlight the modern style, durability, and low-maintenance appeal that composite fencing brings to a variety of outdoor spaces.
When adding seating to your garden, of course you must consider the weather to ensure you can utilise the space all year round. Add a pergola or umbrella for a more simple and cheaper option in your garden, or even add a wooden structure to shade from the sun in the height of Summer. Add fairy lights or climbing plants to any shade added, to make it more aesthetically pleasing for your home and add some light to brighten the space. You can even hang lighting such as lanterns from the roof of the shade for a beautiful space you can enjoy day or night. Adding shade will cover your seating area from the sun in Summer but also from rain which means you can use the space more often throughout the year and get full utilisation of the space.
You can add some personality to your garden through your unique garden design! In contrast to bright colours that grab your attention and help liven up your garden, a minimalist theme with lighter colours can create a sense of space and relaxation in your garden. As your garden is an extension of your home, personality has to live through from your home into your garden.
Continue your decking aesthetic by using leftover composite decking to create planters. Not only does this create a seamless finish but is also a nice way to finish off your project. Most homeowners now opt to have planter boxes instead of usual garden borders. This is due to less maintenance and you can have these planters at different heights so if you do decide to have steps like the image to the right you can create multi levels.
A simple yet effective addition to your garden is to plant some beautiful flowers that will create a colourful and lively space. Summer is not complete without a garden full of plants and flowers to relax in. Adding some greenery and some colourful flowers can improve the ambience of your garden and can change the aesthetic depending what look you are going for. Planting is easy, even if you only have minimal experience gardening and you would be surprised at the difference it can make to a space. Choosing exotic and tropical looking plants will create a mini paradise in your garden perfect for relaxing in summer and hosting. Alternatively, to add some colour to the space, opt for smaller flowers and plants that will make the space pop and come to life. Additionally to the plants, make sure that the pots go with the theme of your outdoor space and complement the flowers inside them. For great results in pots on your deck, consider colourful and easy-to-maintain options like Coleus, Euphorbia, Nemesia, Hydrangea, and Ornamental Pepper. If you don’t have a lot of space in your garden, you can hang plants instead to achieve the same look without taking up as much space.
To help you maximise your space and create a garden that suits your needs, we have a few different decking pathways you may wish to add to your garen. Changing your pathway is a simple yet an effective way to enhance the space you have. Whether you wish to add character to your garden with your path or if it’s more of a practical need, we have ideas and designs on how to do so.
Add a modern twist to your outdoor space by adding a path in the centre of your garden. This can create an illusion that your garden is bigger than what it actually is. Adding lights to your path not only helps with safety but you are able to use this all year round which could lead to having an entertainment area at the bottom of your garden.
You may wish to add a contrast to your garden by using different materials. This homeowner has opted to use stones for their pathway leading to their decking area.
Many homeowners opt to add a pathway around their property when adding composite decking to their home. This is for a more practical design which can help with bringing items into your home etc. This homeowner has created a bench out of their left over decking boards.
Adding a pathway with lighting to your outdoor living space is a great way to make your garden appear and feel bigger than what it may be. By tricking the eye into paying attention to the length of the garden and not the width. Adding lighting is also a vital aspect to enhancing your garden. Lighting will brighten up the space which will also help to create that large sense of space.
A great finishing touch is to use leftover composite boards for garden edging. This helps to create clean, defined lines between your deck, lawn, and flower beds, which enhances the overall design. You can create a unique, modern look by using a mix of materials, such as composite edging next to stone or gravel pathways.
Adding water features is a beautiful addition to any garden and can create a peaceful atmosphere to relax in. There are an extensive range of charming water features available that are suitable for family gardens. A circular arrangement of pebbles with a small fountain in the middle provides soothing background noise. Designs for family-friendly water features include a variety of spheres or monoliths with cascading walls of water that disappear harmlessly beneath slates or rocks. Materials include contemporary stainless steel or natural stone. The pump mechanisms that operate water features are powered by electricity or solar energy. Choose the latter if you want an inexpensive system that is much easier to maintain than a mains version. If you have small toddlers, it is best to delay installing a pond until they are old enough to understand how dangerous a few inches of water can be. If there is already a pond in your garden, ensure it is safely fenced or covered over with a tough metal grid that will prevent them from falling in.
For a finishing touch to a stylish outdoor garden space, add an interesting selection of ornaments in stone or plastic. There is an extensive variety of cute animals, scarecrows and fairies available that are perfect for families and young children. Alternatively, there are also more modern ornaments available that will upgrade your space to the next level. Traditional statuettes or bird baths manufactured from stone will help to add an air of stately grandeur. For added interest and a touch of humour, choose novelty ornaments such as sheep, cows or frogs with added solar lighting. Inexpensive solar lights use batteries to store power from the sun during the day and then cast a soft glow as dusk descends. A set of lights in a simple torch design offers subdued illumination around your garden or decking area. Strings of solar fairy lights add a discreet twinkling in bushes or trees at any time of the year.
Most homeowners will agree, saving money when starting a new product is one of the main priorities. Always plan your project ahead of time, this will ensure quality does not lack whilst maintaining a realistic budget. There are endless ways you can transform your decking space but you may wish to keep in mind planning the essentials first before the adding the must have extras in. We advise looking for cost effective materials which suit your project, look for discounts or sales and shop around when looking for installers to fit your decking. If you are handy yourself, you may want to save an extra few pounds by fitting this yourself! Always shop around when purchasing items as you never want to miss a deal – having said this, we will never be beaten on price and quality!
Ready to build your dream outdoor living space without breaking the bank?
Check out our full guide:
Decking on a Budget filled with practical tips, affordable material options, and step-by-step planning advice to help you create a beautiful decking space on a budget.
As we’ve explored, creating the perfect deck is about so much more than just choosing boards; it’s about designing a space where your vision for enhancement and garden elevation can take centre stage.
It’s about finding the perfect colour, integrating luxury features like the warmth of a fire pit or the relaxation of a hot tub, and creating that cosy seating area under a pergola to create new memories that can be enjoyed for decades to come. The possibilities are truly endless.
We hope this guide, filled with real-life projects from across the UK, has given you the spark or the push you need to start your new project. The final step is turning that vision into a reality.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’ve found your perfect design, all that’s left to do is choose the perfect boards to bring it to life.
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